Page:King Lear (1917) Yale.djvu/147



Where nature doth with merit challenge. 'Where inherent goodness vies with moral growth,' i.e., virtue developed by training. If, on the other hand, challenge means demand, then with merit would be an adverbial phrase qualifying challenge, and the whole expression would mean 'Where inherent goodness deservedly demands our largest bounty.' I prefer the former interpretation.

precious square of sense. 'The most sensitive test by which I can appreciate joy.'

Reserve thy state. 'Reserve everything, rank, dignity, plenary power.'

old course. Although old, Kent will begin life again in a new country. Or perhaps shape his old course means 'be his old self.'

wash'd eyes. I do not think Cordelia is weeping. She means her eyes are clear, and see the truth about her sisters.

want. 'You well deserve the lack of affection that you have lacked yourself.'

wind me into him. Get into his confidence.

dragon's tail. Referring to the position of the moon with relation to the constellation Draco.

Fa, sol, la, mi. This is mere trolling nonsense, based on the notes of the musical scale.

With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abus'd. Abus'd means deceived, and they refers to old men.

To eat no fish. This probably refers to the Protestants, who, in order to show their hatred for the Catholics and their support of the English Government, made a parade of eating no fish at all. See Marston's play, The Dutch Courtezan, I. ii. 'I